I know as well as any one, [the devil] is an adversary…
![“I know as well as any one, [the devil] is an adversary, whom if we resist, he will fly from us--but I seldom resist him at all; from a terror, that though I may conquer, I may still get a hurt in the combat--soinstead of thinking to make him fly, I generally fly myself.” quote by Laurence Sterne](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/68d/laurence-sterne-1405_adversaries_i-know-as-well-as-any-one-the-devil-is-a_1653656.jpg)
“I know as well as any one, [the devil] is an adversary, whom if we resist, he will fly from us--but I seldom resist him at all; from a terror, that though I may conquer, I may still get a hurt in the combat--soinstead of thinking to make him fly, I generally fly myself.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The devil is a persistent adversary; resisting him is hard, so the speaker often yields, seeing resistance as a battle that may cause pain.
In simple terms: Resisting temptation is tough; sometimes we give in.
Key Takeaway
Accept that struggle with temptation is part of human experience.
Themes
temptation
inner conflict
human frailty
spiritual warfare
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal decision‑making
- spiritual practice
- mental health counseling
Key Concepts
self‑control
psychology
ethical dilemmas
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance self‑discipline with self‑compassion?
- What strategies help you face inner challenges without self‑harm?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on resistance may cause guilt and anxiety.